Zoombak ™
order by phone (habla espanõl) | 1-877-4ZOOMBAK
Top 10 Auto Accessories for 2008
Written By ST
These days, there are more car gadgets on the market than ever before, and it can be difficult to decide which auto accessories to shell out the big bucks for. If you're looking for the best auto accessories for 2008, here are the top ten.
1- Bluetooth
How many times have you been angered by the guy in the car next to you who won't get off his cell phone - or worse, won't quit paging through his cell phone address book? Bluetooth technology is an essential auto accessory that allows you to make phone calls without distracting your hands - or your eyes - from the road. Many vehicles come with this feature, including Chrysler's UConnect, which is voice-activated.
2- In-Car Media
Tired of playing the same old CDs in your car, day-in and day-out? If so, you might want to check out the in-car media storage devices, which are available through a wide variety of manufacturers and dealers. These storage systems allow you to transfer media directly to your vehicle via a USB port, which makes finding new tunes unbelievably easy. This auto accessory is expected to develop even further over the coming years.
3- Real-Time Traffic
Most of us have had those days when we choose the "wrong route" home, but real-time traffic capabilities will change all that. Acura and BMW both have real-time traffic capabilities that allow you to map your routes based on current construction and accidents. You don't have to check the computer just before you leave and hope nothing happens before you get there; instead, you can keep up with it in real time with this auto accessory.
4- Lane Departure Warning System
Accidents happen, but what if you could avoid the majority of them? Many cars are coming off the line equipped with lane departure warning systems, which indicate when a driver shouldn't change lanes using sensors on either side of the car. If an obstruction is detected with the sensors, your seat vibrates or an icon pops up on the dash. Some of these devices sense obstructions, while others simply prevent the driver from drifting unintentionally from a lane.
5- iPod Connection
Many cars currently have generic connections for all sorts of media devices, including iPods, but an iPod-specific connection can integrate your iPod with your vehicle's stereo system. This auto accessory gives you the freedom to play whatever you'd like while you drive, using the car's buttons to control what you hear rather than the iPod's. This is both a safety feature and a convenience that anyone could use.
6- Rear Parking Camera
Have you ever backed out of a parking space only to hit another car or one of those parking-garage pillars? The rear parking cameras available on many cars eliminate that possibility by giving you a panoramic view of the objects behind your vehicle. Not only will this prevent you from hitting something, but will also allow you to see small children who might be running below your field of vision.
7- Self Parking Functionality
Do you hate to park? If so, 2008 will feature self-parking functionality in many vehicles. You enter the parameters and dimensions into the car's computer system, and it parks the vehicle for you. No muss, no fuss. Although this technology is still in its infancy, it promises to guard against those undesirable parking situations that nobody likes.
8- Climate-Controlled Cupholders
Likely Page Break
No one likes to get to work with a cold cup of coffee, and those iced drinks get warm pretty quickly when the mercury soars in the summer. Look for climate-controlled cupholders in 2008, which allow you to keep your beverages fresh no matter where you're going. Cold storage is also an option, such as the Caliber's "Chill Zone" glove compartment, which stores cold drinks at lower temperatures.
9- Remote Start
Many of us like to warm up the car or cool it down depending on the weather, but who wants to go all the way out to the car, start it, then go back inside? Remote start allows you to start your vehicle from a button on the keypad, and also comes with safety features that activate the alarm and lock the doors.
10- Zoombak.com
Family is the most important thing - moms, dads, sisters, brothers, and even Rover. If you're looking for tips, tricks and product ideas to keep your family safe, Zoombak.com is a great place to start. You can check out the latest features of A-GPS technology and learn about ways to make technology work for you. As auto accessories go, you shouldn't leave this one out.